St Richard’s Hospital boss ‘proud’ of staff after CQC inspection

The chief executive of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has praised staff following a visit by health inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) left the hospital on December 11, following a three-day inspection of St Richard’s and Worthing Hospitals.

Marianne Griffiths, chief executive of the trust said she is ‘beyond proud’ of staff who have had an ‘intense and exhausting week’.

In a letter posted on the trust’s website, Ms Griffiths said: “They [CQC inspectors] said they were struck throughout their visit by the passion you showed in all aspects of delivering patient care, by the way in which our caring values shine from everything you do and by the support colleagues provide for each other in all circumstances.

“Remember, these inspectors have seen a lot of hospitals in many places, but they told us they have never experienced a welcome like the one they received here this week.”

“I know this level of scrutiny is simply exhausting and you should be exceptionally proud of the professional way in which you have handled that pressure – both during the inspection and in the months of preparation that have gone before it.”

The inspectors are still expected to make an unannounced visit and the trust will not receive the final report for another three months.

Ms Griffiths added: “I could ask no more of any of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – I can truly say I have never been so proud to be part of such an inspiring group of people.”

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